Sixers and free agency
The most anticipated free agency period in NBA history begins tonight when the clock strikes midnight.
Sixers and free agency
The most anticipated free agency period in NBA history begins tonight when the clock strikes midnight.
You know the names: LeBron, Bosh, Wade, Stoudemire, Nowitski.
But what about your Philadelphia 76ers?
Even if they could trade Andre Iguodala or Elton Brand, the Sixers would not have the cap space for a top-tier free agent.
Here are two suggestions:
Now that Orlando Magic restricted free agent shooting guard J.J. Redick has finally learned to play credible defense, the Sixers should sign him to an offer sheet just to see what might happen.
A 40 percent shooter from three-point range would be a real nice backup to rookie Evan Turner.
An option among unrestricted free agents could be Miami Heat tough guy rebounder Udonis Haslem.
He’d be a perfect addition for a soft and poor rebounding frontcourt. Haslem, however, seemingly has little desire to go anywhere else. The Heat recently surprised him with a massive birthday party with 200 team employees to show that they appreciate him and want him to return. "Who would want to go anywhere else, with an organization like this," Haslem told the Miami Herald.
However, Haslem could be in line for a pay cut from the $7 million he madel ast year, depending on what else Miami does in free agency.
The Sixers have two free agents as of tonight: Rodney Carney and Francisco Elston. Carney signed a 1-year deal last summer to return to the Sixers. Elston was acquired from Milwaukee in a deadline trade that netted Jodie Meeks.
JJ Reddick? What do we need him for? Don't we still have our resident, bench-riding 3 point shooter. Isn't the guy we just got from Sac-Town a 3 point shooter?- Who cares? Unless they can dump Iggy or Brand, they will be very quiet this offseason. I did hear Iggy, Williams and a 2011 #1 to Denver for Carmelo, who is in the last year of his deal. That could be interesting....— mpt29
- Reddick is a winner and can shoot the ball...I think he is a nice addition and would provide something this team is lacking, toughness, grit and shooting.— jamesdowntown
- I can see Collins wanting to make a run at Reddick ... He has definitely turned himself into a solid pro— azsixerfan
- What's up with the early termination of Willie Green's contract???? I keep seeing it but hear nothing about it. Is he gone? Please let it be true. Reddick & Haslem would be a come up if we could snag either one. We need another young 7 footer or a big-time rebounder. I think Meeks can backup Ev Turner. But you can never have enough shooters.— XmarksTheSpot
- Let Elston and Carney go without a fight. Trade Iggy for Brook Lopez.— CBent1
Pretty sure it's Nowitzki, guys, not Nowitski. Count me in the Reddick camp. He's a more skilled version of Kapono.— jpk- They should sign Shaq.— Big Ragu
- NJ would never do Iggy for Lopez. Plus, the salaries wouldn't match up.— jpk
Carmelo??? hmmmmmmmm. interesting. Would denver do that??!! WHERE DID YOU READ THAT DUDE! Mpt29 I DONT RECOGNIZE YOUR NAME.. If riley does not sign boozer or bosh would he consider brand?— combocancer1975- combocancer1975, actually the nuggets are considering trading melo because he may not accept their 3 year 66.01 mil extension and many are reporting that Denver is ready to trade Melo. I haven't heard that rumor, but Mpt where did you hear that?— wako1211
- They were taling about trade possabilities concerning Carmello because he has 1 year left and wont extend with Denver, so Denver may be forced to deal him sooner then later if they want value, but the team that gets him would have to be guarenteed to sign him. and they wouldnt trade him for Iggy williams and a No1. there will be alot of sign and trade posabilities like Peirce or Novitski out there for Denver so Philly would never be an option.— Dparente
- Not firing Stefanski has been one of the biggest blunders in recent memory. I like the new coach and new draft pick, but his decision to pass on this free agency period in favor of keeping Igudola and Brand is a freaking greek tragedy. Unlike any other sport, the NBA is about having one of the top 4 best players in the league and teaming him with another allstar caliber talent. If you don't have one of those, you RARELY win a title. Right now, the two best young players in the NBA not named Kevin Durant (LBJ and Wade) are free agents, and a whole case of all-stars are available. Maybe neither LBJ nor Wade comes to Philly, but its worth the shot right? Maybe Bosh doesn't come either. But what about the second tier? Carlos Boozer? Joe Johnson? Amare Stoudemire? Any of these players are better than what we have. Golden opportunity missed to say the least.— IgglesPhitinPhils3
- Dparente, why its not like Melo has a no trade clause... The Nuggets can send him anywhere and believe me, the Nuggets in that deal get a fair deal in return because as a 2nd option to a ty lawson or chauncy and with the talent they have, he fits in well at a position they could use. Plus, if Melo isnt gunna re-sign anyway, why would you keep him for a year just to gain nothing?— wako1211
- Why is it the Sixers Never have any cap space - while the Celtics and the Lakers can put together All Star teams? Why can Chicago can trade Kirk Hinrich for a draft pick to clear cap space - but the when the Sixers trade somebody - they have to take equal salary back?— phillydude
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
